Douro River Voyage

• Exclusive land and cruise journey introduces you to the cultural highlights of this unspoiled wine-and port-producing region.
• Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
• Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and included excursions throughout your cruise.
• Specially arranged food and wine tastings throughout the valley.
• Two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Alto Douro Wine Region and Historic Centre of Oporto, Portugal.

Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport in Madrid, Spain. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing a customs screening, meet a Gohagan & Company representative.

Transfer to the deluxe, historic Wellington Hotel & Spa, located in the elegant Salamanca neighborhood of Madrid.

Settle in and spend the afternoon at your leisure. Explore Madrid, and make your own plans for lunch and dinner. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining and sightseeing recommendations.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Take a scenic drive to Salamanca this morning. See charming villages, olive groves and farms on your way to this beautiful city. 

What began as a prehistoric community evolved into an ancient Roman settlement and university town (the world-famous university was founded in 1218). Salamanca is now known as a nucleus of education, culture and art; the city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Called Spain’s “Golden City,” Salamanca is filled with historic buildings in a mix of architectural styles, many of which are made of gold-colored sandstone. Enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch at a local restaurant, then embark on a City Tour.

Transfer to Barca d’Alva, where you will embark the deluxe Ama Vida. Settle in and acquaint yourself with the river boat; there will be a welcome briefing and safety drill.

This evening, join your fellow passengers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner on the ship. 

This morning—and every morning on board—savor a delectable breakfast before disembarking for the day’s excursions.

Drive by coach to Castelo Rodrigo, a tiny, fortified village encircled by walls built in 1296. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and learn about the town’s captivating history. From the castle itself, enjoy spectacular views of the valley and the red-roofed stone houses of the village.  Enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine.

Return to the ship and tuck into a delicious lunch on board.

The river boat travels from Barca d’Alva to Pinhão this afternoon. Spend time on deck watching the beautiful green and gold hills, terraced vineyards, hamlets and tiny villages glide past.

This evening—and every evening on board—enjoy a fabulous multi-course dinner with generous servings of local wines, beer or soft drinks.

This morning, stroll to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, famous for its lovely azulejos—distinctive blue-and-white, hand-painted tiles. The azulejos depict scenes of local significance—quintas (vineyards), winemakers, folk culture and stunning river and valley landscapes. This train station serves the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal.

Enjoy an authentic, delectable dining experience complete with entertainment at this family-run quinta. As you dine, delight in the sounds of traditional Portuguese music. Quinta da Avessada houses a museum showcasing the fascinating history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region—complete with tastings!

This afternoon, indulge in another wine tasting at a local quinta.

Return to the ship for dinner on board.

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the ship departs Pinhão and sails to Regua.

Explore Mateus Palace and Gardens, which was declared a national monument in 1911, on a guided tour. The palace, built in the early 1700s, epitomizes Italian Baroque architectural style. Its façade is well known, as it is pictured on the Mateus rosé wine label. The palace is brimming with antiques and artwork; note the entrance salon’s spectacular wooden ceiling featuring family coats of arms. The gardens boast formal beds, topiaries, statues and camellias; the captivating Cedar Tunnel is an aromatic and memorable highlight.

Return to the ship and settle in for a delicious lunch on board.

Visit the ancient and picturesque town of Lamego, which produces wines, fruit and smoked meats. Stroll the cobblestoned streets and the town’s wide boulevard, lined with cafes and market stalls. Lamego is home to one of Portugal's most important pilgrimage sites, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). This church was built in 1761 on the spectacular hilltop site of a previous small chapel dedicated to St. Stephen. The church is accessed by a stunning baroque double staircase of 686 steps and nine terraces, decorated with statues, azulejos and urns. And the views at the top are spectacular! Decide whether you’d like to reach the pinnacle by motorcoach or by climbing the famous staircase—either option is available! (You may be asked to choose your option once aboard ship.)

End the day with a tasting of local specialties such as Bolas de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), Presunto (a type of dry-cured ham) and Espumante (a Portuguese sparkling wine).

Return to the ship for dinner on board.

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the ship departs Regua and sails to Entre-Os-Rios. Spend the morning on deck watching the beautiful scenery gliding by, or enjoying the ship’s amenities. In the late morning, disembark in Entre-Os-Rios.

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local winery.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the town, which is ideally located between two rivers. Take in the rolling landscapes and beautiful views; meander the cobbled streets, admiring historic churches and architecture. The ancient town boasts a Roman bridge dating to the first century A.D.

Return to the ship for dinner on board.

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the ship departs Entre-Os-Rios and sails to Porto. Spend the morning on deck soaking up the beautiful scenery, or enjoying the ship’s amenities. Savor a delicious lunch on board before disembarking in Porto for today’s excursions.

Join a guided tour of Porto’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the Porto Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments—constructed in the 12th century but renovated and rebuilt many times over the centuries. Pass through Liberty Square, the town’s main plaza, ringed with shops and cafés, and connecting the historic and more modern parts of the city. Don’t miss the São Bento Railway Station, which has been called one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. (In case you were wondering, São Bento translates to St. Benedict and was named for the Benedictine monastery that formerly occupied the site.) Admire the incredible azujelos, depicting scenes from Portuguese history—there are some 22,000 in São Bento!

This afternoon, indulge in a final Douro Valley wine tasting….this time, you’ll have a choice of how you’ll arrive.

• Drive to Winery.

You’ll enjoy a tasting of port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine.

• Hike to Local Winery.

For a more active adventure, join a hike through Porto’s medieval streets, exploring the old harbor quarter. Afterwards, indulge in a port wine tasting.

Return to the ship for dinner on board.

Enjoy some free time today to stroll the cobbled lanes of Porto’s UNESCO-designated Ribeira (Riverside) district, with its narrow streets winding past shops and cafés. Stop in at the 14th-century Church of São Francisco, a former convent church built in the Gothic style. Marvel at the grand 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, built to impress potential investors. Is shopping more your thing? There are plenty of shops and markets to search for that perfect souvenir.

Join your fellow passengers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner on the ship, where you’ll raise a glass to your Douro River journey!

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Porto International Airport for your return flight home.

If you have reserved the Lisbon Post-Program tour, transfer to Sintra.